Memphis' first historical public library reopens

Cossitt Library, the first public library and museum in Memphis, is reopening after a 5-year renovation process.

Closed since 2018, the revamped Cossitt Branch hopes to be an information hub for a new generation.

"Often times when you're collecting information you hear, ‘If I only had this, I would.’ We're eliminating that excuse, if you will, because we want to help people,” said Brian Lyles, Senior Manager of Cossitt Library. “The better people are, the better they are for our community, the better they are for our city, the better they become the best versions of themselves.”